Olecranon Bursitis

Iontophoresis Protocol Olecranon Bursitis

Olecranon bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa thai lies between the tip of the olecranon and the overlying skin. The mechanism of injury is usually through a fall on the elbow or a direct blow to the olecranon. Bursitis can also occur secondary to sprains, strains or prolonged pressure as is the case with students ("student's elbow"). It is often present in cases of tendinitis and myositis. Chronic olecra­non bursitis can result from mismanagement of acute bursitis or repeated injuries. Calcific deposits in the bursa occasionally result from chronic bursitis. Olecranon bur­sitis can also be caused by infection as when a ball player abrades an elbow, for example. Prompt medical attention is required in such cases.

Swelling is confined within the boundaries of the joint capsule or bursa. A "goose egg" is evident over the olecranon process. Due to the common capsule of the elbow, swelling can affect all three joints of the elbow complex. With swelling, the elbow is usually held at 707r flexion so the joint has maximum volume.

Pain is felt over the olecranon process and may be felt into the forearm. Severe and constant pain is usually felt because of the continual tension of the tissues within the small confines of the bursa. Palpation is the key to diagnos­tic clarity. Active, passive and resistive muscle tests will assist the practitioner in determining if the bursa, joint capsule, muscle or tendon is the affected tissue.